Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher apologized Monday for using the word "retarded" to describe the BCS standings. / Melina Vastola, US PRESSWIRE

by Ira Schoffel, USA TODAY Sports

by Ira Schoffel, USA TODAY Sports

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida State football coach Jimbo Fisher issued an apology Monday afternoon for using the word "retarded" in reference to the BCS college football rankings.

Fisher's Seminoles are 9-1 but ranked behind three teams with two losses apiece. During his weekly press conference Monday, Fisher was told that some computer rankings, which are factored into the BCS standings, have FSU slotted behind teams with as many as four or five losses.

Fisher responded rhetorically: "How retarded is that?" He then outlined several objections he has with the rankings process, including his opinion that the BCS "stinks." Part of the reason the Seminoles are downgraded by the computers is because their schedule included two teams from the lower-level Championship Subdivision, Murray State and Savannah State.

Fisher's comments touched off immediate debate on social media sites and Internet message boards about whether the "retarded" comment was offensive.

Special Olympics Florida and other groups have lobbied against the use of that word because it can be hurtful to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In issuing a public apology, Fisher said he made a "poor choice of words."

"It was brought to my attention I used a word during today's conference that I did not intend to use," Fisher said. "That's not the way I think. It was a poor choice of words. I didn't mean to offend anyone in any way.